As Pope Francis drove away from the airport in the back of his Fiat, he stuck his hand out of the window and gave a huge smile and thumbs up to the marching band (which, fittingly, played the theme song to Rocky when the pope landed).

Then Pope Francis abruptly signaled to the driver to stop. And the pope got out of the car and walked over to a disabled boy. The pope leaned over the barricades and embraced the boy, holding him, extending a blessing. Then he blessed two nuns and the boy's family before getting back into his Fiat and driving off.

This morning I learned something about the history of this beautiful Cathedral: the story behind its high walls and windows. I would like to think, though, that the history of the Church in this city and state is really a story not about building walls, but about breaking them down. It is a story about generation after generation of committed Catholics going out to the peripheries, and building communities of worship, education, charity and service to the larger society.

by Emily Shapiro9/26/2015 3:02:00 PM

Francis at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul:

That story is seen in the many shrines which dot this city, and the many parish churches whose towers and steeples speak of God’s presence in the midst of our communities. It is seen in the efforts of all those dedicated priests, religious and laity who for over two centuries have ministered to the spiritual needs of the poor, the immigrant, the sick and those in prison. And it is seen in the hundreds of schools where religious brothers and sisters trained children to read and write, to love God and neighbor, and to contribute as good citizens to the life of American society. All of this is a great legacy which you have received, and which you have been called to enrich and pass on.

by Emily Shapiro9/26/2015 3:05:03 PM

Francis at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul:

The Church in the United States has always devoted immense effort to the work of catechesis and education. Our challenge today is to build on those solid foundations and to foster a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility in planning for the future of our parishes and institutions.

by Emily Shapiro9/26/2015 3:07:36 PM

After Pope Francis arrived in Philadelphia this morning, his first stop was to celebrate Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, a more than 150-year-old building.

About 2,000 people had a seat inside, according to ABC station WPVI-TV in Philadelphia.